>>20
/g/ is quite knowledgeable, just not about esoteric programming syntax. /g/ knows more software (how to use it, and use it well, but not creating it), hardware, and OS-related stuff, all of which can land someone a decent job.
I'm taking some SQL database classes next semester. And that's just next semester for me. At the moment, I'm studying for A+, CCNA, and MSCE certifications. I'll take some classes for those in the future as well, though I probably need to get some Gen Ed stuff out of the way first. I opted out of being a pure code monkey due to outsourcing and lower pay.
I'm sure you all enjoy programming. It's great that you enjoy it. But will you enjoy your financial instability?
My uncle is a software engineer with dozens of years of experience, and he's out of work. He went to post grad-school and is very smart and very capable when it comes to programming-related matters. But people in India will do similar work for much less pay. Go figure.
Database and networking administration is really the only way to go. You're physically needed on-site, so outsourcing isn't a viable option most of the time.
Programming is a great hobby, one which I probably won't get too hardcore into. You're all leagues ahead of what I'll ever learn in that regard. But I'm thinking more about a career and a secure, comfortable future rather than what would be fun and what would supposedly make me intellectually superior to everyone else. Perhaps you guys should do the same.